MS JD Law/Forensic Science at CUSE: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Syracuse University Master of Science in Forensic Science is a 2 to 3-year full-time graduate programme in Syracuse, New York, USA. It requires a bachelor’s degree in a science or related field. Total annual cost is USD 50,874 (INR 48.50 Lakhs). Fall and Spring intakes operate on rolling admissions. This 36-credit programme trains forensic analysts, lab directors, and investigators. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory work. International students comprise 20 to 25 percent of cohorts. The programme targets professionals transitioning into forensic science from chemistry, biology, or law enforcement backgrounds.

Syracuse’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI) oversees the program. It is one of 20 programmes fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) in the United States. Graduates work in crime labs, federal agencies, consulting firms, and private laboratories. The programme emphasizes evidence analysis, toxicology, DNA testing, and legal testimony skills. Ideal candidates have strong analytical minds, attention to detail, and a commitment to justice-system excellence. The Advanced Laboratory Track offers capstone projects with real-world forensic casework.

• FEPAC accredited programme with active crime laboratory partnerships.
• Hands-on labs with modern equipment for DNA, toxicology, and trace evidence analysis.
• Career-focused internship opportunities with law enforcement and government agencies.

Also Check: Syracuse University Admission Requirements

Syracuse University Master of Science Forensic Science Fees 2027

The programme costs USD 30,294 in tuition annually. Room and board average USD 20,580 per year. Additional fees for lab materials total approximately USD 800 per year. Total annual cost is USD 51,674 (INR 49.24 Lakhs). A 2-year degree costs USD 103,348 (INR 98.48 Lakhs). Costs vary slightly for international students based on housing choices and part-time enrolment.

Source: Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences official website

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition covers classroom instruction, faculty mentorship, and access to core laboratory facilities.
• Room costs in on-campus housing range from USD 5,500 to USD 8,000 depending on accommodation type.
• Lab fees include consumables, safety equipment, and specialized instrument access.
• Books and supplies cost approximately USD 1,200 to USD 1,500 per year.

Cost of Living in Syracuse for Master’s Students

Syracuse has a lower cost of living compared to major US cities. International students living off-campus spend USD 1,130 to USD 1,570 monthly on non-tuition expenses.

Tip for Indian Students: Syracuse’s cost of living is 30 to 40 percent lower than Boston or New York City. On-campus housing includes utilities, making it a budget-friendly option for the first year.

Syracuse University Master of Science Forensic Science Admission 2027

Syracuse University accepts students for Fall and Spring intakes. The programme uses rolling admissions with no hard deadline. Early application improves your chances in competitive seasons. The university accepts 30 to 40 percent of applicants to master’s programmes in STEM fields.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. A strong science background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or forensic science is preferred. The university does not mandate a minimum undergraduate GPA, but competitive applicants typically have GPAs of 3.0 or higher. One letter of recommendation from a science professor and one from an employer or mentor are required.

English Language Proficiency

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Syracuse accepts multiple standardized tests. Scores must be from tests taken within the last 2 years. Each test has specific minimum thresholds for graduate admission.

• TOEFL iBT is the most widely recognized test among Indian applicants and US universities.
• IELTS is common among students who have studied in Commonwealth countries or plan to work abroad.
• Indian applicants typically score 87 to 95 on TOEFL, requiring 6 to 12 weeks of focused preparation.
• Some applicants request a waiver if they have completed a bachelor’s degree at a US institution or studied in English for 4+ years.

Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL reading and writing sections are harder for non-native speakers. Budget 8 to 10 weeks for preparation and plan to take the test by April 2027 for Fall enrollment.

Syracuse University Master of Science Forensic Science Application 2027

The application process is online through the Graduate Admissions portal. Submit your bachelor’s degree transcript, English language test scores, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. The application fee is USD 75 (INR 7,148). Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. International applicants should budget extra time for transcript evaluation services like WES.

• Rolling admissions mean decisions are issued within 2 to 4 weeks of application completion.
• Applicants who submit in the first two months (February to March for Fall) face lower competition.
• Late applicants (May onwards) face waitlists or filled programme seats.

Application Tip: Submit by mid-April to secure a spot in the Fall 2027 cohort. Rolling admissions favour early action.

Syracuse University Master of Science Forensic Science Scholarships 2027

Syracuse awards merit-based scholarships to qualified graduate students. Approximately 65 percent of graduate students receive some form of funding. Merit awards average USD 22,500 (INR 21.45 Lakhs) per year. Scholarships are renewable for a second year if academic standing is maintained. International students are eligible for merit aid on the same terms as domestic students.

The university prioritizes scholarships to students with strong GPAs (3.5+), relevant work experience, and clear career goals in forensic science. Students pursuing research-focused projects may qualify for research assistantships worth USD 15,000 to USD 18,000 (INR 14.30 to 17.16 Lakhs) annually, which also include tuition waivers. Scholarships do not require repayment and do not carry work obligations.

To maximize your scholarship award, submit your application early and highlight relevant lab experience or law enforcement background. A strong statement of purpose describing how forensic science aligns with your long-term career goals increases your competitiveness.

Scholarship Reality: Average aid of USD 22,500 reduces your annual out-of-pocket cost from USD 51,674 to USD 29,174 (INR 27.81 Lakhs). For a 2-year degree, total aid could reach USD 45,000, bringing your real cost to USD 58,348.

Read More: Syracuse University Scholarships for International Students

Syracuse University Master of Science Forensic Science Salary 2027

Forensic science graduates from Syracuse earn competitive salaries across multiple sectors. Entry-level positions in crime laboratories start at USD 45,000 to USD 55,000 (INR 42.89 to 52.41 Lakhs) annually. Mid-career laboratory directors and supervisors earn USD 65,000 to USD 85,000 (INR 61.95 to 81.01 Lakhs). Senior forensic consultants can earn USD 90,000 to USD 120,000 (INR 85.77 to 1.14 Crores).

Graduates work as forensic analysts, crime scene investigators, DNA examiners, toxicologists, and digital forensic specialists. Common employers include the FBI, DEA, local police departments, state crime labs, and private forensic consulting firms. Federal positions (FBI, DEA) offer salaries starting at USD 55,000 to USD 65,000 (INR 52.41 to 61.95 Lakhs) with benefits and pension eligibility. Private sector roles in pharmaceutical testing and environmental analysis offer salaries of USD 50,000 to USD 70,000 (INR 47.65 to 66.71 Lakhs).

Gross salaries shown above are subject to federal income tax (22 percent bracket), state tax (5 percent in New York), and FICA deductions (6.2 percent). Take-home pay is approximately 65 to 70 percent of gross salary. Syracuse graduates report 97 percent employment within 6 months of graduation (2019 to 2023 cohort data). Career progression depends on advanced certifications (Certified Forensic Analyst, ACFEI) and postgraduate specialization.

ROI Reality: A USD 103,348 degree (2-year cost) with average starting salary of USD 50,000 takes 2 to 3 years to break even when accounting for taxes and cost of living.

Check Out: Post-Study Work Visa Options in USA

USA Visa Pathway for Master’s Students

International students studying at Syracuse obtain an F-1 Student Visa. The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of your studies plus a 60-day grace period. You can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term. Off-campus work is available through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) internships with employer sponsorship. Post-graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in your field of study for up to 3 years total.

• F-1 visa duration covers your 2 to 3-year programme plus 60 days after graduation.
• On-campus work (library, lab assistant) requires work authorization approval; available immediately upon enrolment.
• Internships through CPT allow full-time work during holidays and summers with employer approval.
• OPT: 12 months base work authorization plus 24-month STEM extension for science and technology fields, totalling 36 months.

Visa Reality: With OPT, you can work in the USA for 3 years after graduation, gaining experience and earning USD 50,000 to USD 65,000 annually, which significantly improves your eligibility for an H-1B skilled-worker visa and eventual permanent residency (PR).

Read More: F-1 Student Visa Requirements for USA